
The lives saved at North Berwick came from two separate incidents – with four people struggling against wind and sea conditions in a kayak, and three stand up paddleboarders being blown offshore.
Both incidents involved children, and had the Lifeboat not intervened could have led to lives being lost, the RNLI said.
Statistics released by the lifeboat station show that the number of incidents crew responded to stayed in line with 2023, as not every call results in the launch of the lifeboat.
Overall, voluntary crew members spend a combined total of 11.5 days at sea on service calls.
North Berwick’s D-class inshore lifeboat, SUNIJO (Image: Will Scott) Ricky Martin, voluntary Lifeboat Operations Manager said “We saw an increase in serious call outs where people were caught out by the conditions, either because they misjudged the strength of the wind, or the conditions changed whilst they were afloat.”
“We always recommend that people coming to the coast check the weather forecast and tide times.
“If you’re heading out on a stand up paddleboard or a kayak, avoid offshore winds, take a means of calling for help, and wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket”.
The RNLI said that running its a lifesaving service comes at a cost. More than £190M was spent in 2024 by the RNLI to keep the lifesaving operation running.
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The RNLI are urging the public to raise funds for them with the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation to help the lifesaving service keep going.
Mr Martin issued a warning to those taking to the water this weekend, with people expected to head to Scotland’s beaches with good weather predicted.
He said: “As the air temperature warms this weekend, it’s important to remember that the sea off North Berwick is between 7-8°C, that’s cold enough to induce cold water shock.
“If you fall into the water, Float to live; lie on your back with your face and chest up towards the sky, spread your arms and legs in gentle movements until you can control your breathing and shout for help. In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard.”